With one week left to complete the Annual Employment Survey, ACS (The Association of Convenience Stores) is issuing a final call for all retailers to take part. By sharing your views on employment policy and practices, findings from this survey are crucial to informing ACS’ employment policy work over the coming year, including its submission to the Low Pay Commission.

In its consultation, the Low Pay Commission is seeking evidence on the following areas:

• The affordability and effects of an increase in April 2025 to an NLW rate within the range of £11.61 and £12.18 (with a central estimate of £11.89).
• The impact of increases in the NLW in April 2024 on workers, employers, the labour market, and economy.
• The impact of 21-22 year olds being eligible for the NLW in April 2024.

The National Living Wage rates increased on the 1st April, going up from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour to anyone aged 21 and over. ACS is hoping to gain a deeper understanding of how this change affects the convenience sector, as well as how the fluctuating economic and labour market conditions are impacting convenience colleagues. This survey will help ACS to work with the Low Pay Commission and ensure that flexible and secure employment is continuously provided for all who work in the convenience sector across the UK.

You can take part in the survey here. All answers are completely confidential and the deadline for completing the survey is May 17th 2024.